Moijey Fine Jewelry & Diamonds Blog

Holy Topaz, Moijey!

November has arrived, bringing cooler weather, cozy sweaters, and a fascination for fiery gemstones. As the birthstone for this month, topaz embodies the warmth and brilliance of autumn, pairing beautifully with the cooler tones of the season. While citrine often shares the spotlight, topaz has its own unique allure and deserves recognition for its vibrant spectrum of colors.

Topaz often goes underappreciated, especially since it's commonly associated with brownish or yellowish hues. However, topaz actually appears in a stunning array of colors, ranging from deep reds to brilliant blues and colorless varieties. This diversity makes it one of the most versatile and captivating gemstones for jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Imperial Topaz: The Crown Jewel

The most coveted type of topaz is Imperial topaz, known for its rich, reddish-orange to orange-red tones. Discovered in 1768, this rare gem was first celebrated by Portugal’s royal court and is primarily sourced from the Capão Imperial Mines in Ouro Preto, Brazil. Historically, it was also found in Russia’s Ural Mountains during the 19th century, where it earned the name “Imperial Topaz” as a tribute to the Russian czar. In fact, at that time, only members of the royal family were permitted to own Imperial topaz, further enhancing its status as a stone of prestige and exclusivity.

Blue Topaz: A Technological Marvel

Another striking variety of topaz is blue topaz. Although naturally occurring blue topaz is rare, advancements in gemstone treatment since the 1970s have made this color widely available. Using a combination of radiation and heat treatment, colorless topaz is transformed into stunning shades of blue. These treated gems are perfectly safe for everyday wear, and the process brings out vibrant hues such as London Blue (a deeper shade) and Sky Blue (a lighter, ethereal blue).

For those looking to add a touch of elegance to their jewelry collection, Moijey's 14K Blue Topaz & .05 CTW Diamond Ring is a fine example, combining three unique shades of blue topaz in one exquisite piece.

Colorless Topaz: A Brilliant Substitute

Colorless topaz is one of the most accessible types, readily available in countries like Brazil and Sri Lanka, with additional sources in Madagascar and Namibia. Its diamond-like clarity makes it an attractive alternative for engagement rings or classic stud earrings, offering a similar sparkle at a fraction of the cost. For customers interested in versatile, elegant pieces, Moijey’s collection includes breathtaking colorless topaz stud earrings, which serve as a sophisticated addition to any jewelry box.

Additionally, colorless topaz can undergo heat treatment to produce blue hues, with treated stones sourced from locations such as Nigeria and Myanmar. These treated gems offer a sustainable and accessible way to enjoy the beauty of blue topaz without the high costs often associated with natural blue varieties.

The Versatile Appeal of Topaz

With its colorful variety and adaptability, topaz is a gemstone that truly shines across all jewelry styles and settings. From its historic allure to modern innovations in gem treatment, topaz deserves more attention than it often receives. Stay tuned for our next exploration into the world of topaz, followed by an in-depth look at citrine.

Whether you’re drawn to the regal tones of Imperial topaz or the brilliant hues of blue and colorless varieties, there’s a topaz for everyone at Moijey. This November, celebrate the rich beauty of topaz and discover its perfect place in your jewelry collection.